LION'S CORNER: Ringing in the New Year, Lions serve year round

A few days ago it was Christmas morning. For many people, excitement and smells of a holiday feast filled the air. Gifts were nestled under the tree wrapped in brightly colored paper and bows.

Children were wide-eyed in awe of what was inside the box that had their name on it. Dazzling lights and sounds of jingle bells provided a backdrop to this much anticipated moment. It was a time for family and friends to come together, exchange gifts, feast, and for many to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

But once the gifts have been unwrapped, the leftovers eaten, the decorations put away, and the excitement has subsided … what do you do? What do you do when Christmas is over? What do you do when the celebration has ended?

For many, life goes back to the routine that consumed them before. There is routine of worry, frustrations, self-focus, and complacency for many of us. We forget what it means to serve. We forget what it feels like to give.

At Christmas time it’s easy, everyone is being merry. But in January, when the person in the cubicle next to them is hurting, or their neighbor is going through a divorce, or the man on the street corner needs a meal, they walk on by because their own needs are more important.

They are no longer the “Good Samaritan” willing to help those in need. They become self-centered and focused on their own needs, wants and desires. They tell themselves that someone else will talk to that person in the cubicle next to them, and someone else will help their neighbor, and someone else will give a meal to the man on the street corner. Just not them!

So what are you doing this New Year’s Eve? Watching the ball drop over Times Square on television … again? For many of us, the typical New Year’s celebration can feel like old hat after a while. We start looking for more profound ways of honoring the space between letting go of the old and embracing the new.

When it comes to meeting challenges, our response is simple: We serve. Our volunteer projects unite Lions around the world. And our work is unconditional. We aren’t limited by continents or restricted to certain causes. Lions help wherever, whenever and however we can throughout the year.

The terms “Lions” and “hard work” go hand-in-hand. Whether we are assisting with a community sight program, repairing the roof on a community center, volunteering at a youth center, or standing in the rain to sell candy our efforts are extended worldwide. I leave you this year with words of wisdom for the New Year:

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life — Find the good in all situations

A ttitude is just as important as ability — Keep your attitude positive

P assion find yours this year! — Do what you love and you will never work